Difference Between CA and MBA
You are free to use this image on you website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution linkHow to Provide Attribution?Article Link to be HyperlinkedFor eg:Source: CA vs MBA (wallstreetmojo.com)
CA vs MBA Infographics
CA vs MBA – Comparative Table
CA vs MBA – Which is Better?
To decide which is a better option – CA or MBA, we need to understand that both of these courses can lead you to a successful career in their unique ways. While getting an MBA from a Tier II or Tier III institute might be easier, getting an MBA from an Ivy League college is as difficult as a CA certificationCA CertificationCA exam conducted by ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) is conducted for aspiring Chartered Accountants. The entire curriculum is divided into three level i.e. Foundation, Intermediate, and Finals. These exams are conducted twice a year. read more. As such, the best of either of these professional courses is one of the highest-paid professionals in the country. So, the right answer to the question ‘which is better’ is whichever suits your career aspirations.
CPT (Common Proficiency Test),
IPCC ( Integrated Professional Competence Course), and
the Finals.
Public Accountant
Government Accountant
Management Accountant
Internal Auditor
Analyst, Financial Advisor
Marketing Manager
Human Resource Manager
Operations Manager
Skills Obtained
After completing CA certification, a candidate can systematically approach financial accountingFinancial AccountingFinancial accounting refers to bookkeeping, i.e., identifying, classifying, summarizing and recording all the financial transactions in the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. It even includes the analysis of these financial statements.read more and auditing, gain a more in-depth understanding of the socioeconomic conditions, and become an excellent communicator. On the other hand, an MBA graduate acquires leadership qualities, gains adept business knowledge, learns how to handle pressure, and develops a strategic bent of mind.
Duration
The CA certification requires candidates to clear three levels of examinations coupled with three years of articles under a practicing CA. The entire course can be completed within four years if the candidate can clear all the levels in the first attempt. On the other hand, enrolled candidates can complete a full-time MBA program in a span of 1 to 2 years, depending on the choice of a degree program or business school.
Eligibility or Experience Required
An aspiring student who has completed HSC graduation or post-graduation is eligible for the course of CA. So, a wide range of candidates can take up the course. In addition, there are instances where students pursuing a graduation course also pursue CA simultaneously. On the other hand, MBA mandates completing a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, the MBA degree is more useful for a candidate with some work experience, although this is not mandatory.
Syllabus
The syllabus of CA is very much focused on subjects that involve accounting and finance. An aspiring CA candidate has to study Financial Reporting, Financial Account Management, Accounting, Economics, Mercantile Law, Business Law and Ethics, Taxation and Tax Laws, Auditing, etc. On the other hand, the syllabus of an MBA degree covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the business. An aspiring MBA candidate has to study Financial Management, Financial Planning, Risk AnalysisRisk AnalysisRisk analysis refers to the process of identifying, measuring, and mitigating the uncertainties involved in a project, investment, or business. There are two types of risk analysis - quantitative and qualitative risk analysis.read more, Operations ManagementOperations ManagementOperations management is a business area that implements practices ensuring the conversion of inputs into goods and services with maximum efficiency. read more, Human Resource Planning, Marketing Research, etc.
Career Opportunity and Salary
Some of the job roles that a CA can land include Internal Auditor, Public Accountant, Government Accountant, Tax Manager, Finance Manager, and Financial Consultant. On the other hand, an MBA graduate can easily fit in the mid-management roles of any organization. The average salary of most CAs and MBAs at the start of their career lies in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 per annum, while the top CA rankers and graduates from the Ivy League colleges can garner a much higher salary that can go up to $30,000 per annum or more.
Fees and Passing Rates
The cost of an MBA degree is multiple times that of a CA course. While a CA course can cost around $900-$1000, a degree of MBA from a reputed business school can easily cost more than $20,000. However, the fees shouldn’t be the primary criteria for deciding between a CA course and an MBA degree.
The CA exams are very difficult, and some candidates cannot clear the exams even after multiple attempts. On the other hand, the candidates who enroll for MBA invariably pass the exams. [Note: Only 10.2% of CA Final (Old) and 15.1% of CA Final (New) could pass the exams conducted in November 2019]
Exam Availability
ICAI has declared the dates for the CA exams for January/ February 2022, and it will be conducted from 21st January 2022 onwards. On the other hand, there are several entrance exams for MBA, such as CAT, MAT, SNAP, XAT, MAH CET, etc., and each exam has its window that usually starts in November and continues till the following January.
CA vs MBA – How to Enroll?
One needs to complete HSC to enroll for CPT (CA) course, while the IPCC CourseIPCC CourseAccording to the guidelines established by the Institute (ICAI), there are several options for taking the IPCC Exam. There are seven subjects in all, separated into two groups of four and three subjects. You’ll need 200 and 150 marks to pass a group, respectively.read more requires graduation [use this link for registration at ICAI]. For MBA, one needs to complete graduation and then write any of the exams conducted by the top business schools.
Conclusions
CA or MBA, the decision is to understand the strengths, interests, and direction you intend to give your career. I hope with the above information, you will be able to do so. All the very best :-)
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to CA vs. MBA. Here we discuss the top differences between CA and MBA professions and their exam requirements. Do we also discuss why to pursue them? You may also have a look at the following articles –
- CPA vs. CA DifferencesCS vs. CA – Which is Better?FRM vs. CA – What’s the Best?CFP vs. MBA
